BACKGROUND:
Philadelphia’s immunization registry seeks to include all private, as well as public, providers who immunize children.

OBJECTIVE:
Assess the accuracy and completeness of immunization registry data.

METHOD:
The Philadelphia Department of Health conducted chart reviews of all private providers receiving VFC vaccine and located in zip codes where preschool children are at greatest risk for low immunization rates. A simple random sample of 45 charts of children aged 19-35 months was selected in each of 30 practices (family physicians, pediatricians, hospital-based clinics).

RESULT:
Of the 620 children randomly selected for chart review, 567 (91.5%) were in the registry. Providers transferring data electronically to the registry had significantly more children in the registry than those whose data were manually entered into the registry (p=0.0015). We observed significant differences in immunization coverage levels for the 4313 series between the chart (80% UTD) and registry (62% UTD) data (p<0.0001). When immunization coverage levels were calculated based on registry data, those providers transferring data to the registry via an electronic file had significantly higher coverage than those who sent a log form or billing printout to the health department for manual entry into the registry (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION:
Although almost all children with chart records were in the registry, registry data were less complete and immunization coverage rates were significantly lower compared to chart data. Providers who use electronic transfer of data from the chart into the registry had more children in the registry and more complete registry data compared to providers who used long forms or billing print outs with manual data entry. Electronic data entry systems should therefore be encouraged in linking private providers with registries.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Attendees will understand registry data entry methods that can improve registry data quality